1. Hiram Bingham
If you want to travel the jungles of Peru in style, then the Hiram Bingham is for you! This deluxe train travels to Machu Picchu while providing its passengers with high-end accommodations and dining.
2. The Ghan
Australia's Great Southern Rail from Adelaide to Darwin is a 54-hour, 2,979 km (1,851 miles) train ride that crosses Australia from south to north. The name "Ghan" is actually an abbreviation of its original name - "The Afghan Express".
3. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Also known as “The Toy Train”, this train uses a vintage British B Class steam locomotive for its daily tourist trips. The train climbs the Himalayas up to heights of over 2,200m (7,200ft), on a route that is 78 km (48 miles) long. Considering it’s using such old locomotives, it’s astounding that it is still functioning so efficiently!
4. The Adirondack
This train runs between New York and Montreal through the magnificent Hudson valley and the Adirondack mountains, which gave it its name. While the train often suffers from delays, the 11-hour trip is so beautiful, most people agree that it's worth it.
5. The West Highland Line
Voted as the most scenic train ride in the world for several consecutive years, the West Highland Line travels between Mallaig and Glasgow in Scotland. The locals refer to it as 'Rathad Iarainn nan Eilean' ("Iron Road to the Isles").
6. Brocken railway
The highest mountain in Germany is called Brocken, and lends its name to this train. The Brocken train provides the most comfortable way to get to Brocken Mountain's nature reserve.
7. First Passage to the West
This track is famous in Canada for uniting the east and west of the country over a hundred years ago. Nowadays, this historic track offers a luxury 2-day ride along some of Canada's most gorgeous views.
8. Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express
The world's longest train ride, the Trans-Siberian Express is a 9,288 km (5,771miles) long ride, crossing Russia from Vladivostok in the east to Moscow in the west. The Golden Eagle is the most luxurious ride along this line, offering spacious sleeping cars, gourmet dining and the most scenic views in Asia.
9. The Maharaja Express
The most expensive luxury train in the world, the Maharaja Express enjoys a reputation of having the best service in the world. Mind you, the cheapest fare for an adult is nearly $7,000.
10. El Tren Crucero
Travel along Ecuador's Andes in luxury. This train chugs along the avenue of mountains, passing by dormant and even active volcanoes along its route. You can also experience the locals way of life along the route at various stops.
11. The Eastern & Oriental Express
The Eastern and Oriental Express has been awarded a place on the "World's Top 25 Trains" list by The Society of International Railway Travelers for its beauty, service, dining, and off-train experiences. It runs between Singapore's Woodlands Train Checkpoint and Hua Lamphong, Bangkok, stopping at Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and Kanchanaburi.
12. Bergen Railway
Traveling in Norway from Bergen to Oslo, this train crosses Europe’s highest plateau on its 495 km (308 miles) long trip. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful rides in the world and has won high praise in the Lonely Planet travel guide.
